How to Fix QuickBooks Error 12152: Can’t Install Updates

When it comes to managing the accounting and financial tasks, the only word that comes to the mind of every entrepreneur and accountant is QuickBooks. QuickBooks is not just an accounting software; it’s a business partner for many entrepreneurs.

QuickBooks has captured 84.85% of the small-business-accounting market. The credit goes to its features and user-friendly interface. However, despite such credibility and popularity, its users face various errors. One such common error that we’re going to discuss today is QuickBooks error 12152: can’t install updates.

This error is part of the payroll update errors and is mainly caused by an unstable internet connection or active firewall settings. Facing this error while updating the payroll is quite common, but the good news is that it doesn’t affect or damage the company files or accounting data.

It just halts the accounting process. Hence, in the need of urgency, it becomes important to resolve this error as a priority. In this guide, we will briefly show you the exact roadmap that you can navigate to fix the 12152 error in QuickBooks. Along with that, we will also help you understand the possible causes behind the error so that you can prevent it from happening again in the future.

Let’s kick off this troubleshooting journey!

Table of Contents

A Brief About QuickBooks Error 12152

As we already mentioned above, this error is part of a series of payroll update errors; it simply indicates that users often find themselves stuck with this error while downloading new updates for QB payroll.

This error appears with a pop-up display: “QuickBooks can’t install updates (Error 12152).” It prevents the software from functioning properly and can be frustrating for users who rely on QuickBooks for payroll processing.

As a result of this error, the software becomes unable to function properly, leading to frustration, especially during critical accounting and payroll processing times. Therefore, identifying and resolving this error promptly is the key to restoring the efficiency of the QuickBooks software.

Common Causes Behind QuickBooks Error 12152

To deal with the error effectively, it’s important to understand the underlying causes behind it. This approach will help you to prevent future occurrences of the error and ensure smooth functioning of the software.

So, below is a list of the common causes and reasons for QuickBooks error 12152:

Unstable or poor internet connectivity can be the primary cause of the error.
SSL settings are not configured properly.
Either you’re not using Internet Explorer as the default browser, or it is not configured properly.
The system’s incorrect date and time settings can cause trouble for the QuickBooks software while verifying the server certificates, which may lead to update failures.
Security software, like a firewall or antivirus program, can block the software from accessing the internet or its update servers.
Either damage or invalidity affects the Windows registry files.
Using an outdated Windows version can also lead to the occurrence of such an error.

Solutions to Fix QuickBooks Payroll Update Error Code 12152

Fixing the error 12152 in QuickBooks doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few targeted troubleshooting methods, you can easily eliminate this error.

Here is a simple guide to the troubleshooting methods that can help you restore your QuickBooks functionality:

Solution 1. Reconfigure Internet Explorer Settings

By reconfiguring the Internet Explorer settings, you can ensure that QuickBooks is able to communicate properly with the servers and access the necessary files without any issues. Given below are the steps that you can follow to reconfigure the browser on your workstation:

Close the software and then launch the Internet Explorer browser.
Thereon, click on the Tools option available at the top-right corner, and then select Internet Options.
Click on the globe icon available below the Security tab, and then ensure that the security level is not more than medium-high.
Afterwards, select the Never Dial a Connection option under the Connections tab and click OK.
Following that, move to the LAN settings, and then choose the Automatically Detect Settings option.
Thereon, uncheck Use a Proxy Server, followed by a click on OK.
After that, head forward to the Advanced tab, and then click on the Restore Advanced Settings.
Finally, please make sure the TLS 1.2 option is enabled. If not, then do so, and click on the OK option to save the updated changes.

Solution 2. Check and Correct System Date and Time Settings

Update issues can occur in QuickBooks if QuickBooks is unable to verify server certificates due to incorrect system date and time settings. Just follow these procedures to make sure everything is correct:

Get back to your desktop by exiting QuickBooks.
Select Adjust date/time from the context menu that appears when you right-click the date and time in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Turn off the set time automatically in the resulting window.
Scroll down to “Set the date and time manually” and then click on Choose.
Please ensure you enter the time and date according to your time zone, and then click on Change to confirm.
Activate the Set time automatically feature again.
Try updating the payroll again after restarting your PC and reopening QuickBooks.

Solution 3. Add QuickBooks as an Exception in the Firewall and Antivirus

There is a chance that firewalls and antivirus programs will mistakenly block QuickBooks’ internet connectivity. You can stop that from happening by making QuickBooks an exception:

Launch the Control Panel on your computer after you exit QuickBooks.
Head over to Windows Defender Firewall in System and Security. Use Windows Defender Firewall to grant access to a program or feature.
Find QuickBooks in the list of programs for both private and public networks, click on Change settings, and then mark it.
To add the QBW32.exe file from the QuickBooks installation folder, click Allow another app if it isn’t already there.
To enable QuickBooks through your antivirus program’s firewall settings, follow the same steps.
Start QuickBooks again and attempt to update payroll.

Solution 4. Update Windows to the Latest Version

There may be incompatibilities between QuickBooks and outdated or unsupported Windows versions. Ensure that your system is up-to-date:

Open the Settings menu by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.
Select Windows Update from the Update & Security menu.
Windows will search for updates and display them once you click the Check for updates button.
Select “Download and install” if any updates are detected.
If the payroll update remains unresolved after restarting your computer, please consider opening QuickBooks again.

Solution 5. Perform a Clean Install of QuickBooks

If the issues persist after trying the aforementioned solutions, a fresh installation of QuickBooks may be required to repair any corrupted files.

Start by going to Intuit’s official website and downloading and installing the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.
Use the Control Panel’s Programs and Features to remove QuickBooks from your computer.
You can rename old installation directories by running the Clean Install Tool and following the directions.
Activate QuickBooks with your licensing information after reinstalling it using the original installation files or CD.
Once the installation is complete, you may verify if the issue has been fixed by checking for updates once more.

Solution 6. Run QuickBooks With Admin Rights

In case the above solutions don’t help you resolve the error, then there is a chance that the software is missing out on administrative rights. QuickBooks requires these rights to make any changes or download and install new updates to the software. If it’s missing, then it can lead to various installation errors with the software.

Given below are the steps that you can follow to run the QuickBooks software on your computer with admin rights:

If QuickBooks is currently open, please close it.
Click and hold the QuickBooks icon on your desktop.
Use the context menu to run the program as an administrator.
To grant the app permission to make changes to your device, click Yes when asked.
Attempt to install the payroll update once QuickBooks is opened in admin mode.

Conclusion

You can easily fix QuickBooks Error 12152 by following these steps, even if it may seem like an irritating speed bump at first. Quickly get back on track with these methods, which include updating your system, adjusting your internet settings, or providing QuickBooks with the administrator access it requires.

Keep in mind that this mistake won’t compromise your financial data, but it will halt your workflow, particularly when payroll is tight. By addressing the root causes and applying the solutions in this article, you will not only fix a problem but also prepare your accounting process for the future. Updating QuickBooks and your system is essential, as is checking your firewall and browser settings on a regular basis.

Require additional assistance? Make QuickBooks your go-to financial partner—without the interruptions—by keeping this guidance close at hand.